Falsterbro National Park

Located in northeastern metropolitan New Orange City, formerly known as Oranjestad, Falsterbro National Park stands as a revered haven of natural beauty. Established officially in 2003 following a grassroots initiative that began in 1969, this park serves as a sanctuary, preserving the largest expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in New Orange City. The lush floodplain forest hosts towering trees, some of the tallest in Oldeshire, forming a majestic canopy that remains among the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies globally. Approximately 57 percent of the park is designated as wilderness area, safeguarding its pristine wilderness for generations to come.

Park History

The area's history revolves around resource extraction, primarily centered on cypress logging, initiated by the Falsterbro Cypress Logging Company in 1898 within what is now the park's boundaries. The company established a small town, also named Falsterbro, on the eastern shoreline, operating until 1914 when mismanagement led to bankruptcy. In the 1950s, local residents from Oranjestad and nearby Transfagarasan formed the Forest Preservation Association, advocating for the preservation of this natural treasure. A 1963 study by the National Park Service supported the establishment of a national monument due to this advocacy.

On October 18, 1976, legislation was passed to create the Falsterbro Swamp National Monument, with over two-thirds designated as a wilderness area by October 24, 1988. Recognized as an Important Bird Area on July 26, 2001, the monument was rebranded as Falsterbro National Park on November 10, 2003, expanding its authorized boundary while eliminating the misleading "swamp" from its name.

Environment

The park's expanse encompasses a small portion of the central Oldeshire forests ecoregion, characterized by its periodic inundation by floodwaters despite being frequently referred to as a swamp.

Designated as an old growth forest, Falsterbro National Park boasts an extraordinary concentration of champion trees, housing the tallest known examples of 4 different species.

Within the park, various large animals such as bobcats, deer, feral pigs, creepers, coyotes, armadillos, turkeys, and otters may be sighted. Its waters are teeming with a diverse array of wildlife, including amphibians, turtles, snakes, alligators, and various fish species like bowfin, alligator gar, and catfish, adding to the rich biodiversity within the park's boundaries.